In 2025, dinosaurs took center stage again. The excitement kicked off when the BBC brought back Walking with Dinosaurs. Later, in July, fans flocked to the theaters for Jurassic World Rebirth, marking the seventh film in the popular Jurassic Park series.
Dinosaur auctions have been making headlines, with prices soaring. The Natural History Museum in London attracted a record 6.3 million visitors in 2024-2025, showcasing our ongoing fascination with these ancient creatures.
Recent advancements in dinosaur science are impressive. We currently know of around 1,400 different dinosaur species across more than 90 countries. In 2025 alone, 44 new species were discovered—almost one each week! Areas like Argentina, China, and Mongolia are rich in fossils, but exciting finds have also popped up in unexpected places, like Serbia and Scotland.
Highlights of 2025 Discoveries
Zavacephale rinpoche
One standout discovery this year was Zavacephale, a one-meter-long plant-eating dinosaur found in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Described by palaeontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig, this fossil amazed many experts. It’s the oldest known member of the pachycephalosaurs, a group famous for their dome-shaped skulls, likely used in head-butting, similar to bighorn sheep today.
Istiorachis macarthurae
In England, Jeremy Lockwood, a retired doctor turned palaeontologist, unveiled Istiorachis, a six-meter-long dinosaur with a sail-like structure on its back. This feature may have helped it appear larger to predators and attracted mates.
Spicomellus afer
The unique Spicomellus, known for its unusual rib structure, was described in greater detail this year. With long spines across its body, it’s now recognized as the oldest member of the ankylosaurs, a group known for their armoured bodies.
Nanotyrannus lethaeus
The debate over Nanotyrannus has been a long-standing one among palaeontologists. In 2025, new findings confirmed it as a distinct species rather than a juvenile T. rex. This predator was built for speed and agility, marking an important clarification in dinosaur evolution.
Huayracursor jaguensis
Another significant discovery came from Argentina, where researchers found Huayracursor, a two-meter-long ancestor of the sauropods, in fossil-rich Triassic rocks. This creature boasts a notably longer neck than its ancient relatives, shedding light on how sauropods evolved over time.
A Growing Fascination
The recent surge in dinosaur discoveries reflects a broader trend in science. As technology advances, paleontologists are finding fossils in new areas and using innovative methods to study them. Social media buzzes with excitement every time a new species is announced, showing just how much people connect with these prehistoric beings.
Moreover, according to a 2023 survey by the Natural History Museum, 72% of visitors said they were more interested in dinosaurs than any other subject. This enduring fascination isn’t just about kids loving giant reptiles—it’s a testament to our thirst for knowledge about Earth’s history.
As we move into 2026, the excitement for further discoveries in the dinosaur world remains high. Let’s see what surprising findings the future holds!
